My “to-do” list for when I want to soar!

1. soak in hope
2. bask in joy
3. bathe in love

hope is the washing of the earth with rain

between planting in harvest

seed in place

joy is the sunshine on the warm sprout

husk shed, dirt broken, new leaf unfurled

roots digging

love is the bathing of new growth in the elements

sunshine, dew, warmth of day, mist of moon

flowering fruition

then the transformation is complete

soaring begins –

the young bird leaps from the nest

an idea reveling in its own exposure

soar, arise, mount up

the waiting done renewal complete

these wings flutter, then glide, then lift

above to heights

the feet of one upon the perch

in heaven’s domain unseen

soar, arise, mount up

freedom, determinate, autonomy

liberty unrestrained uncomformed sovereignty

lit up by the rush of a wellstream

it overflows – release cannot wait

blustery promise breaks loose

soar, arise, mount up, pinnacles

arise mystic, arise lover

arise to soar, soar to mount up

soar to joy, soar with hope

arise

Friday Fill-Ins #87

This week my friend Michelle provided most of the questions; thank you, Michelle!

And...here we go!

1. When I'm sick I'm ok doing what I need to do to get back on track, maybe I do push it a bit.

2. When I take a walk, I think about whatever my current ideas are, the upcoming, and also some reminisce at times.

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can screw up a relationship (when misused).

4. Cotton makes me think: underwear - tee shirts - summer time and leather makes me think: motorcycles, bondage, winter time.

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was this is tough, lewd thoughts are strange by definition, so to separate the thought from the person... I guess the "Fifty Foot Woman" from the movie "The Attack" I mean seriously how would that work !!!.

6. My favorite color these days is purple because it's royal and my daughter's college colors are purple and white.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging at home, tomorrow my plans include some time with the kids and Sunday, I want to get away a bit, and Monday is a holiday planning a cookout!

Love Letter No 4- Patient Love

The idea is to write a brief love letter ...

This weeks theme – Patient Love

Write a love letter and share it...

Okay here's my " Patient Love" letter.

Dear B,

Beyond love, there I am, waiting, I am “patient”. I ask for patience.
Not a trite prayer of “Give me patience, and give me patience now!”
But, a prayer for the wisdom of patience in my heart.

How we long for one another in patient bliss. Cradling our hopes of love with deepest care, patiently giving room for the struggles of love. Hoping to understand acceptance and the curing nature of time, the “love wound” healing in patient wealth. How will the brokenness of our hearts grow to be one if we are not patient?

For truly if hearts were never broken they never grew together. How wise we are to invoke patience in the midst of abandon when love calls. Some might say only the foolish invoke wisdom within love’s milieu. Yet, if we are not wise in love, how will we ever be wise in days ahead.

Of all your beauty, passion, glow, enamored blush, it is your patient love of my heart that invokes the magic of our love’s charm. I will return all you’ve offered and more, for you are so wise beyond all years and your love is patient.

And I love you,
L

PS: below is my poem for you.

where they break they fit together

what a puzzle, many pieces

rents too high, can’t pay leases

when it comes to hearts consider

where they break they fit together

strange confidence, leaving fixes

may be, what about stitches

when it comes to hearts consider

where they break they fit together

there’s no way, this doesn’t work

we’ll both wind up, oh very hurt

when it comes to hearts consider

where they break they fit together

god uses scalpel gentle graces

takes away needy places

brings healing in hearts He’s formed

with his touch, both blessed and joined

Thursday Thirteen - Mo Bettah Life for Life

13 steps to a better life
Thirteen actions most likely to encourage happiness:

1. Don’t compare yourself to others. Financially, physically, and socially, comparing yourself to others is a trap. Focus on your own life, on your own goals.

2. Foster close relationships. People with five or more close friends are more apt to describe themselves as happy.

3. Have sex. Sex, a long-term loving partnership goes hand-in-hand with this.

4. Get regular exercise. There’s a strong tie between physical health and happiness. Eat right, exercise, and take care of our body.

5. Obtain adequate sleep. Good sleep is an essential component of good health.

6. Set and pursue goals. The road to happiness is paved with goals. Continued self-improvement makes life more fulfilling.

7. Find meaningful work. Fulfilling work is a vocation. When you find it, it brings added meaning to your life.

8. Join a group. A church congregation, a book group, a Saturday morning bike ride, a knitting circle.

9. Don’t dwell on the past. Focus on the now.

10. Embrace routine. We’re happier with limited options. We don’t want to be overwhelmed. Routines help limit choices. They’re comfortable and familiar and, used judiciously, they can make us happy.

11. Practice moderation. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. It’s okay to indulge yourself on occasion — just don’t let it get out of control. Addictions and compulsions can ruin lives.

12. Be grateful. Practice gratitude. Take time to be thankful for the things we have, appreciate them more.

13. Help others. Altruism is one of the best ways to boost your happiness. Be nice in daily life.

Remember: True wealth is about relationships, good health, and self-improvement.

To see the detailed list with other links check it out ("i-appropriated" from Rubin) over at the Happiness Project

Wordless Wednesday

wordle before Wednesday

Maybe I'll make this a weekly :)
The story below in Wordle format ---

The Popsicle Incident

The post below is a real life story. I wrote it out some time back. The telling of the story is a reminder of life and a means of going on with life. Several have heard a bit of what has gone on - here is a sparkling example of living within the consequences of difficulty and the closeness it can bring.

The Popsicle Incident
By LarryG

On January 10, 2006 my wife died due to cancer. Along the way there were many events that showed us how God walks with us on our path. As a result of these “miracles” we praise God for his involvement in our everyday lives.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having been admitted to the hospital (again) with the usual low blood counts, there was the additional problem of nausea. Now the nausea itself is not so bad, but the liquid diet was particularly difficult for Pam this time around. She told me how hungry she was and asked if I had any idea when they would allow her to have some food. I did not.

About the second or third day of this nonsense I had gone to work during the day and a friend, Kelly, was sitting with Pam. Pam who rarely complained told Kelly how hungry she was getting. Kelly suggested that she might have a Popsicle.

She said “I’ll ask the nurse, what flavor Popsicle would be good?”

“Grape”, Pam said, “I would really like a grape Popsicle.”

So off Kelly goes to find retrieve a grape Popsicle. On arrival at the nurses station Kelly asks about the Popsicle and is directed to the nearby freezer. Where there is indeed a box of Popsicles. Unfortunately, the box is plainly labeled banana.

So the nurse tells Kelly she can go to other floors to find a grape.

But Kelly says, “I’ll take one of these. If it doesn’t work out I can go hunt for a grape.”

So back to the room Kelly goes bearing the banana Popsicle.

Pam’s face quickly changes from joy to disappointment with the announcement that there was only a box of banana Popsicles available.

“Pam, I’ll go find you a grape one if you want me to,” consoles Kelly.

“This will be fine,” Pam replies, unable to hide the disappointment.

Then taking the Popsicle she tears open the plain white wrapper, and can you imagine the surprise to find a “grape Popsicle.”

“Kelly, were you tricking me?!” Pam exclaimed.

“No, Pam” Kelly replies in surprise.

Then composing herself, Kelly says, “Let’s be thankful for small miracles.”

— © 2006

start fresh

clearing the head and ridding clutter

optimal thinking or undue flutter

is there room or is it stagnant,

no growth ideas, or many pregnant

soap and water wash dirt down drains

neglecting crap caught on brains

messy thoughts stuck in mud

how to strip away cerebral crud

using appropriate contemplation

to consider thoughts plus derivation

simplicity, speak words uplifting

then write down what comes in drifting

discover power to cast out doubt

put the bad thoughts out! out! out!

sweet words to self give a response

tells the story, shows how we dance

is self talk demeaning to my own goals

get out what’s said by inner trolls

do all you can to flush bad thoughts

it’s worth the effort once they’re caught

clean up the mind with full attention

helps to reach your peak condition

------------------

today felt like one of those days where i needed to get rid of some bad thoughts.

i ran across my friend's sage advice from Sir Froggie's Positive News Network

they'll be back from a summer holiday soon.
looking forward to the creativity they bring
reading existing posts is good too...

What is Someday?

Someday – words flow, meld and mesh

Someday – grounded randomness anxiety releases

Someday – gain balances loss

Someday – broken edges smoothed or filled with joys

Someday – weight is not a problem

Someday – minor aches, chronic pains relieved

Someday – motivation streams through with gusto

Someday – is today

Week Number 132

http://curiousasacat.blogspot.com/2008/08/week-number-132.html

1) What is the hardest secret you've ever had to keep? "We're having a baby!"

2) If your soul were to be represented by a color, what color would it be? "I am a rainbow"

3) Define the word "hypocrite." "A traitor to the cause... whatever cause that might be"

4) If you had to trade closets with someone you know, whose wardrobe would you like to have? (assume the clothes would magically fit) "this is tough for a guy, my brother, he seems to have it together, someone who wears a lot of sports shirts and permanent press :)"

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Photo © Cat. 2006

welcome home
take off your hat and coat
pull off your shoes relax
let's have a cup of coffee
or glass of wine
welcome home

the sea remains the sea

This is a favorite prayer of mine.
I offer this as a blessing to you.
--------------------------------------------------

Dear Lord, today I thought of the words of Vincent Van Gogh: “It is true there is an ebb and flow, but the sea remains the sea.” You are the sea. Although I experience many ups and downs in my emotions and often feel great shifts and changes in my inner life, you remain the same. Your sameness is not the sameness of a rock, but the sameness of a faithful lover. Out of your love I came to life; by your love I am sustained; and to your love I am always called back. There are days of sadness and days of joy; there are feelings of guilt and feelings of gratitude; there are moments of failure and moments of success; but all of them are embraced by your by your unwavering love.

My only real temptation is to doubt in your love, to think of myself as beyond the reach of your love, to remove myself from the healing radiance of your love. To do these things is to move into the darkness of despair.

O Lord, the sea of love and goodness, let me not fear too much the storms and winds of my daily life, and let me know that there is ebb and flow but the sea remains the sea. Amen.

~excerpt from “A Cry for Mercy” by Henri Nouwen

Friday Fill-Ins #86

This week Amy provided the questions; thank you, Amy! And...here we go!

1. Dancing to the fiddler's scrub while on the hardwood in boots makes me kick up my heels.

2. The last time I ran a light on yellow (pink?) I nearly got a ticket.

3. When I drive I intentionally put on patience.

4. I saw her standing there.

5. Give me !, give me !, give me ! That's all I ever hear!

6. Next week I am looking forward to a ball game at the local minor league baseball park.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to weekend class, tomorrow my plans include a family get together, and Sunday, I want to go to a Scout meeting with my son!

how many kisses

the kiss we share
will tell
the answer

and it may take more than once, twice or more...

how many kisses will it take for you to know...

Thursday Thirteen - School Lunch

On any given school day this and more could be in the kid's lunch sack.

1. Beef Jerky (peppered is best)
2. Flaming Hot Cheetos
3. Almonds
4. Bottled Water (with a kool-aid single)
5. Celery sticks
6. Baby Carrots
7. Fruit Rollup
8. Vienna Sausages (in a zip loc with Hot sauce)
9. Soda Crackers
10. Soda Pop
11. Andy Capp Hot Fries
12. Little Debbie Fudge Round
13. A note that says "You da Man Buddy"

(I can't believe I left grapes off - :)

Inspired by my friend over at the Zen of Motherhood

Love Letter No 3- Tender Love

The idea is to write a brief love letter ...

This weeks theme – Tender Love

Theme for the first one was New Love

Theme for the second one was Absent Love

Write a love letter and share it...

Okay here's my " Tender Love" letter.

-------------------

My Dear J,

The whisper of your touch, lips against my neck brushing lightly, tells the secret my soul has been longing to hear.

Your face turns to mine in earnest anticipation.

Eyes pause … then lost in gaze response.

Oh, how deep calls to deep when souls harmonize.

Fingertips move slowly over skin.

Soft spring rain falls on gardens new green.

Gently the moments shed; we soar to heights.

The scaling of mountains unthinkable, moving through clouds, floating heavens.

The diving into depths of passion, below oceans, oneness comes in the darkest places.

Existence transcends barriers of body.

Synchronizing in space brings pulse.

Time, the outcast, sulks away, elapsed - deflated.

Thought serves only to inform this mysterious oneness: mingling of mind, fusing of soul, intricacy of sensations.

This tenderness, yes,

all the way through,

just what we’ve been hoping for.

We giggle, then laugh, ... uncontrollably.

And I love you,

L

Wordless Wednesday

mouthful

When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open, and love steps forth to heal everything in sight. ~Michael Bridge.

----------------------------------------------

The wounded roam about,
unknowing healing possibility
unsuspecting healing potential
no idea how the wound takes them down.

then worlds change
the lance is applied to
the scabbed over
infected soreness inside
peels the grimy puss
laden layers away
cauterizes the un-
hygienic impureness
love heals the heart

love works – there is really nothing else to compare

and i didn't even know i had a problem...

wordle before Wednesday

I ran across the wordle web page.
Just plug in the words and wow what a cool effect.
I liked the arrow effect :)
Create a wordle here..

gentlest tug

The soul never speaks without a picture.
-- John Holland

The door need

not close, with a

slam like, screen

door on spring, but

with gentlest tug

while knob is twist-

ed to allow

secure rest

in frame as

knob is released, with

no need to be locked.

Week Number 131

http://curiousasacat.blogspot.com/2008/08/week-number-131.html

1) If you could have any number of siblings, how many would you have, and of what gender?

3 - one same, two opposites
2) When was the time in your life when you felt the most repressed? military service

3) What's the best thing to do right after sex? cuddle and whisper

4) Which phobias do you have? none profoundly, but rejection and being alone creep in at times- and i am fear of being unrestrained in high places, but i am ok with flying and being in tall buildings, etc

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo
this had not happened
on the wicker furniture
on the back porch
until now
and here they lay
cuddled and entwined,
whispering their love
to one another
the glow of consummated desire
lighting the twilight
of the summer's eve

Unfailing Love - Chris Tomlin

Yo Jo!

arpeggio

notes dependent

on the former

and the latter

sharing identity

defined not by self

defined by relationship

cascade lifting ascension

each sound anticipates the next

resonance that sings harmony

pronouncing light irresistible

every pitch in love

with the next

arpeggio

Friday Fill-Ins #85

Here we go:

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was pork steak, collard greens, crowder peas, hoe cake and a can of diet Dr Pepper. (Hoe cake is a sweet corn bread fried like a pancake - it is good.)

2. Being overcharged is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon is the most romantic.
4. "If the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise" is one of my favorite local expressions. (that means I will do whatever was requested unless there is providential intervention)

5. Sometimes it's best to keep my (stinking) mouth shut.

6. John Wayne's McClintoc is the best movie I've seen so far this year!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a cookout with a big crowd (I made frozen peanut butter pie - recipe makes two), tomorrow my plans include birthday dinner with a friend and Sunday, I want to kickback a bit!

Make your own Peanut Butter Pie(s) Recipe

Thursday Thirteen

My Thirteen Commandments

• 1. Be Me.
• 2. Let it go.
• 3. Act as I would feel. – model the behavior
• 4. Do it now.
• 5. Be polite and be fair.
• 6. Enjoy the process.
• 7. Spend out.
• 8. Identify the problem.
• 9. Lighten up.
• 10. Do what ought to be done.
• 11. No calculation.
• 12. There is only love.
• 13. Put the seat back down on the potty :)

(mostly "i-appropriated" from Gretchen at the Happiness Project but she only had 12 )

Love Letter No 2 - Absent Love

The idea is to write a brief love letter ...

This weeks theme – "Absent Love"

Theme for the first one was New Love

Write a love letter and share it.
Link it back to here.

Okay here's my " Love Absent" letter.

----

Dear A,

I can’t believe you’ve been gone such a short time, it feels like forever.

To think that you’ll be away for 12 months. I feel so hopeless, it’s seems more than I can bear.

I knew we had love, I know we are in love, yet I am already bursting to see you here again. Just to feel your gentle touch.

I long for the harmony of our conversation and the poetry of the notes we write each other.

Thank God for telephones. Even though we can only speak once a week or so, I wish we could talk for hours on end.

Why must love be absent! for it is not. Yet you are absent and I love you.

How I need you, now.

Hurry back, I am afraid that I will disappear.

I love you,

L

easy said – hard to see

"When everything is chaos in life something perfect is being born, the chaos will keep you distracted so you don't mess it up" - Anne Lamott

could it be the difficult days

tests or trials in many ways

incident gives birth to perseverance

inside scoop on deliverance

well call it growing pains

losses simply eclipse gains

unencounter growing up

wondering how to fill the cup

easy said – hard to see

what brings pure joy to me

----------------------

Wordless Wednesday

Song Bird

"No sorrow goes unchallenged!" ~LarryG

Week Number 130

curiousasacat

1) When you walk past mirrors or large windows, what's the first thing you check in your reflection? the big picture - but looking for details, a close shave, none of the recent meal on my chin, shoe strings, the fly, etc

2) When you were ten years old, how did you spend your free time? outside on a bicycle, or in a creek, the woods, playing ball (season dependent)

3) What person in your life defines the word "kindness"? my pastor

4) How does purple (the color) make you feel? it's a favorite, so I feel good about purple

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

picture picture in a book
stories to read the more i look
can't put this down until i'm done
picture picture that was fun!

the need game

to play this game, you google your name with the word needs after. copy your 10 needs. what fun…

1. LarryG needs to make a budget
2. LarryG (is a helpless nerd who) needs a date
3. LarryG needs new glasses
4. LarryG needs u!
5. LarryG Needs a New Air-Conditioner
6. LarryG needs to sell this car
7. LarryG needs to cut his hair!
8. LarryG needs a wake-up call
9. LarryG needs to go .... - to his new home
10. LarryG needs those arteries in his neck that carry blood to the brain cleaned out.

borrowed from Shadow

i'll see her soon

will my heart flipflop...will my insides dripdrop
will my mind stop... will my giddy up

your stillness... and then a whisper
like prayer ... to close a vesper

it was here ... and now its buried
touch of grace ... should we be married

hugged as friends ... amazing lover
hard to leave ... or to recover

tell me again ... how we got here
i can't believe ... yet we are still near

When the sky speaks...

Long before Jesus told his parables to help us understand things, God the Father had told one of cosmic dimensions and as deep as the abyss: the parable of life…

The listener was immersed in this parable without any possibility of escape, for its “words” were made of things themselves and these could in no way be denied.

“Who can gainsay the sun?” asks the sundial indicating the passing hour.

When the sky speaks – above your head with its billions of stars; and the earth you tread speaks – the sensible basis of living experience: how can you escape logic which surrounds you?

How can you ignore the harmony and beauty of things, or disregard the energy and power of storms and earthquakes?

How can you escape the “absent presence” of a secret entity, the designer of a creative will and indisputable unity, of which you yourself are aware of being a part?

- From Why, O Lord? by Carlo Carretto

what punctuation mark are you?

You Are a Colon

You are very orderly and fact driven. You aren't concerned much with theories or dreams... only what's true or untrue. You are brilliant and incredibly learned. Anything you know is well researched. You like to make lists and sort through things step by step. You aren't subject to whim or emotions. Your friends see you as a constant source of knowledge and advice. (But they are a little sick of you being right all of the time!) You excel in: Leadership positions You get along best with: The Semi-Colon

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

for o'dOnohue

floating, words from Conamarra
filling, souls all around
friendship, within calls many
finale, love expressed beyond dreams

- for o'dOnohue 1955 - 2008

http://www.jodonohue.com/calendar/

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/john_odonahue/ss_beannacht/ss-beannacht.shtml

Friday Fill-Ins #84

1. You know you're old when you write yourself a note to "never ever take a laxative and sleeping pill on the same night. AGAIN!"

2. My heart is divided between heaven and earth.

3. Enthusiasm renewed is what I need RIGHT NOW!

4. I have felt the elation of victory, I have known the depths of loss.

5. Gah, won't these people take a chill pill.

6. Get in touch as soon as you can!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to relaxing at home, tomorrow my plans include taking care of the automobiles and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Love Letter No 1 - New Love

The idea is to write a brief love letter ...

Theme for the first one is ... "New Love"

Write a love letter and share it...

Okay here's my "New Love" letter.

----------------

Dear "S",
It has surprised my heart how this love has shown up in my life.
I simply hadn't thought of the possibility, yet there it is larger than life.
New love erupts, engages, enthralls.
New love brings vision, imagination, passion, kindness and tenderness.
New love puts everything in a new light and new perspective.
Like the new green of spring and the bud on the apple tree, new love is burgeoning.
This feeling lifts the heart to heights not yet explored.
New love creates new worlds to delve into.
I love you new love.
"L"

Thursday Thirteen - The Duke

Thirteen John Wayne Quotes

1. "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them." (The Shootist)

2. Speaking to his young cavalry lieutenants: "Don't apologize—it's a sign of weakness." (She Wore a Yellow Ribbon)

3. "Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!" (True Grit)

4. "That'll be the day!" (The Searchers - Spoken several times; inspired Buddy Holly to write a song with that title.)

5. "Pilgrim." (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - Reportedly he used the expression "Pilgrim", as in "tenderfoot" or "dude" or "amateur", 23 times in that film, and once also in McLintock!. It became a catchphrase for impressionists such as John Byner, and Rich Little)

6. "I haven't lost my temper in 40 years; but, Pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning; might have got somebody killed; and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won't. I won't. The hell I won't!" (He belts him). (To Leo Gordon in McLintock!).

7. "You can call me Dad, you can call me Father, you can call me Jacob and you can call me Jake. You can call me a dirty old son-of-a-bitch, but if you EVER call me Daddy again, I'll finish this fight." (To his son, played by his real-life son Patrick Wayne, in Big Jake).

8. "Don't say it's a fine morning or I'll shoot ya!" , in McLintock!

9. “Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid.” John Wayne quote

10. “If you've got them by the balls their hearts and minds will follow.” John Wayne quote

11. “Talk low, talk slow and don't say too much.” John Wayne quote

12. “There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves” John Wayne quote

13. “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.” John Wayne quote

------------------------------------

I have a ton of compassion in my heart for folks. But that said, I really like quotes no 9 & 10.

We have been watching John Wayne movies the past month or two.

It has been lots of fun to see the way it used to be, how politically incorrect they were back in the 50s -60s and even 70s :)

thursday thirteen

Adult info...

Adulthood has mystique for the uninitiated that every parent helps guide their child through.

I ran across an internet short (about a minute) film titled "Secrets of Adulthood" -
This little film is thoughtful and foundational.

Here are a couple of items from the 60 second movie...

SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD

(by G. Rubin)

What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.

It’s okay to ask for help.

-------------------

See the Movie...

Ms Rubin's Happiness Project blog.
It's an interesting project, you can also get to it off my side bar.

nets and shelters - for Randy

for Randy

the inspiration you've given continues...

----------

the net broke the fall

giving stark realization

it’s safe to attempt the struggle

though success is not guaranteed

we build a system every day

to encourage risks all along

the way – so when one finds

a brick wall to confront

the truth there tells them

don’t give up, crucial needs

bring gains for all nations

pass the value to each and every

generation

-----------------------------------

Comment on Randy Pausch

Randy's journey

Randy's Leadership

"We can be a people building shelters and nets that provide the nurture for others to take the risks and find the strength to punch through the brick walls confronting them." - my spin on Pausch(-ism)

Week Number 129

Week Number 129 from

Curious as a Cat

1) What one thing in your life best represents freedom to you? "purple mountain majesty" - nature

2) What musical piece makes you feel contemplative? "Appalachain spring" by Aaron Copland (the link is a you tube - the winds are lovely in this one)

3) What is your biggest pet peeve? I am working with two teens and a 12 yo... so I guess I would have to say "thoughtlessness" - mine and theirs :)

4) Would the world be better off if it was run by a global government?

"Not just No! Hell No!"

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Photo © CG 2007

something about steroids
something about hard work
something about chemical rage
something about an over compensating jerk!

how to say it

been coming for a while...
there's that bursting feeling
so it's called, nothing technical
something tummy up to throat level

of course I scratch my head not throat
act like it's nothing - bury it - hide it
there's no changes on these days
all I'll ever win, what's lost outweighs

and that's when I know, things are okay
to be sad is not to be bad
there are times the world is sad too
let it burst - let it flush out and on through

Friday Fill-Ins #83

"Those of you with multiple blogs or private blogs...if you could add your link to the Fill-Ins, that would be GREAT! Questions 1 and 2 this week are courtesy of Sherry, thanks!" ~ The author


1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to winter solstice at Newgrange around 2500BC.

2. Give me Three Steps (OH!) give me Three steps Mister! Skynyrd

3. I am listening to NPR on my drive in to work (lately).

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking the answer.

5. I'll always be a romantic at heart.

6. My idea of a good time includes live folk music.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to seeing Batman, tomorrow my plans include moving a kid to her college apt and Sunday, I want to enjoy a picnic!